MLB Player News

Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton still does not have a specific timeline in his recovery from a right hamstring strain, according to MLB.com. Manager Mike Redmond told reporters Wednesday that Stanton will begin a rehab assignment whenever he feels he is healthy enough to return to game action.

Stanton did some light running and cutting in the outfield prior to Wednesday's game, and he continues to swing the bat and take part in light fielding practice. 

Nationals left fielder Bryce Harper is questionable for the team's weekend series against the Braves, MASN Sports reports.

"It's kind of a tough thing - inflammation, bursa sac, whatever you want to call it - hopefully if he just stays off it, (it will improve)," manager Davey Johnson said before Wednesday's game. "He's been trying to go down in the cages and hit and take BP. Hopefully maybe two more days. Hopefully he'll be able to come back and play. Hopefully."

Harper was pulled for a pinch runner Sunday and hasn't played since.

The Rockies optioned outfielder Charlie Blackmon to Triple-A Colorado Springs Wednesday, to make room on the roster for reliever Rob Scahill.

Blackmon appeared in 12 games since being recalled earlier in the month, batting .240 with one home run and a .629 OPS. 

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper was not in the starting lineup, as expected, Wednesday against the Orioles. Harper has been dealing with swelling and soreness in his knee and is expected to miss Thursday's game as well.  

Cardinals infielder Matt Carpenter hit his fourth home run in Tuesday's win over Kansas City.

Carpenter finished 2 for 3 with two runs scored, an RBI and a walk. He has been an ideal table setter at the top of the lineup for St. Louis. His on-base percentage is up to .394 and he's been able to hit for a bit of power as well -- the home run has his slugging percentage up to a sharp .455.

Astros outfielder J.D. Martinez went 2 for 4 Tuesday against the Rockies, but he could still not get away from the strikeout bug in a 2-1 loss.

Martinez struck out twice, giving him eight in his last 13 at-bats. One of his hits was a double, as he continues to hit for power.

Martinez is hitting .250, with 10 doubles, five home runs and 18 RBI.  

Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper is still experiencing swelling in his knee and is unlikely to be available either Wednesday or Thursday, even as a designated hitter in an American League park.

Harper is out Tuesday against the Orioles but is not expected to be placed on the disabled list. 

As expected, Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper was out of the lineup yet again Tuesday, as he continues to deal with bursitis in his left knee. He remains day to day as a result of the injury. 

The Nationals did not include outfielder Bryce Harper in the lineup Monday against the Orioles as he's dealing with a knee injury. Harper was pulled for a pinch runner after limping down the first base line in the seventh inning Sunday. 

Harper is considered day to day for the Nationals after an MRI showed no damage to his left knee. He has been diagnosed with bursitis, CSN Washington reports.

Harper has a four-game hitting streak in which he's gone 5 for 16 (.313) with a homer and an RBI. He's batting .287 on the season. 

Marlins outfielder Marcell Ozuna stayed hot going 2 for 4 in a loss Sunday to the White Sox.

Ozuna's hits were singles, but he scored a run and had an RBI. Ozuna is hitting .304 through 92 at-bats, but has struck out 22 times, including once Sunday. It will be difficult for Ozuna to keep hitting for such a high average if he doesn't start making more contact.